Dube TradePort is set for another major economic boom which will create hundreds of new jobs.
Unveiling the second phase of the thriving industrial precinct and special economic zone last Friday, Dube TradePort Corporation (DTPC) said the newly launched Zone 2 had already attracted R1.8-billion in early investment and is expected to create 600 jobs over the next five years.
After conducting the ribbon-cutting ceremony and inspecting two factories valued at over R180-million currently under construction, MEC for the Department of Economic Development, Tourism, and Environmental Affairs (EDTEA), Siboniso Duma, hailed the investment as a major milestone.
He emphasised the role of Special Economic Zones (SEZs) in job creation, economic development, addressing social inequalities and enhancing municipal revenue.
“SEZs are designed for specific developmental purposes, to develop export-oriented industries, attract foreign direct investment and technology transfer, and generate employment opportunities,” said Duma.
DTPC board chairman Mpumelelo Zikalala said despite economic challenges, seven private sector investors have been secured for Dube TradeZone 2, of which four have begun constructing their facilities.
Dube TradeZone 2 will target investors in the manufacturing and assembly, logistics and automotive sectors while facilitating the planned expansion of several phase one enterprises.
Dube TradeZone 1 is fully occupied by 50 investors, including international companies such as Samsung, Mahindra, DHL, Chem Energy and PepsiCo-Futurelife.
To date, the 26 hectare facility adjacent to the King Shaka International Airport has attracted more than R2.8-billion in private sector investment from enterprises focused on air-related logistics, distribution and light manufacturing.
It includes Dube TradeHouse, a dedicated facility for freight forwarders and shippers via an overhead conveyor airbridge to the state-of-the-art Dube Cargo Terminal.
In 2023/24, Dube TradePort tenants exported goods worth R610-million.
Dube TradeZone 2 opens an additional 45 hectares of industrial land for development and brings to market another 23 fully serviced sites, ranging in size from 3 000m² to 57 000m².
It will include three Dube TradePort-owned warehouses, one of which will accommodate medium-sized businesses enabling the expansion of small businesses located in the mini factories.
The two factories visited by business leaders last Friday included the R166-million Yangtze Optical Africa Cable plant and a R17.5-million development by HRMP, a 100% black-owned logistics company that specialises in the warehousing and distribution of graphite electrodes.
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